Into the Change of Time: The Nurse

By Leoncio V. Gregana

An inspiring and enlightening story of love, struggle and ambition. Inspired by true story highlighted on the lives of 2 nurses who did everything and challenged to change their lives. Fulfilling their dreams in the ocean of obstacles did not prevent them from doing the hard way. Women of substance who lived in different world who searched for happiness, love and devotion. A story of seeking happiness from different time and place that would touch one's heart combined with humorous memories and great drama.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 14, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452047935

Leoncio V. Gregana

Born in Majayjay, Laguna, Philippines and a graduate of BS Accounting from Philippine School of Business Administration, Manila, Philippines. He migrated in California, USA in 2002 and worked on people's life and property.  Worked as a warehouse assistant, Sales Associate, bookkeeper, Self-Storage Assistant Manager, equipment administrator, until presently works as a Resident Service Personnel of a well-known Property Management company in California. He lives happily with his wife and three children in Carson, California. A hardworking man, a lover of animal and nature, and enjoyed tennis during his spare time. Writing became his passion as he moved to his next stages of life. The author's late sister Isabel, who was an Economist, editor, writer and turned businesswoman during her time, the author had admired and inspired him to write.  Her outstanding talent, ideas, thoughts and courage to pursue her endeavors, made the author thought to continue her journey to bring out good stories, belief and imaginations into words. The author found writing this novel interesting, enjoyable and knew that people would surely adore. He was motivated to write this wonderful story of life struggle and challenges, the truth matters of life that could enlighten and touch every reader's heart. He was proud to give every reader's a glimpse of people's different way of life from different time and place and that by knowing and learning that going up is not easy, going down is the worst and at times, the hardest to accept.

Book preview

Into the Change of Time

The Nurse

LEONCIO V. GREGANA

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AuthorHouse™

1663 Liberty Drive

Bloomington, IN 47403

www.authorhouse.com

Phone: [phone]

© 2010 Leoncio V. Gregana. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse       11/8/2010

ISBN: 978-1-4520-4791-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-4792-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-4793-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010914823

Printed in the United States of America

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Preface

Acknowledgements

Words to Know

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Preface

The author’s late sister, Isabel, an economist, editor, and writer-turned-businesswoman during her time with the author, inspired him to write this book. Her talent, ideas, and courage to pursue her endeavors inspired the author to continue her quest to bring out good stories, turning belief and imaginations into words.

The author found writing this novel interesting and enjoyable and knew that people would surely adore it. He was motivated to write this wonderful story of struggle and challenges, the true matters of life that could enlighten people’s mind. He is proud to give readers a glimpse of a different way of life, in a different time and place, and by learning and knowing that going up is not easy, going down is the worst and sometimes, the hardest to accept.

It is an inspiring and enlightening story of family values, hard times and the good times, involving heritage, intrigue, and social status. It examines the different ways of seeking happiness living lives both simple and adventurous. It is a story of romance, humorous memories, and great drama.

Although based on true events, some episodes been modified and fictionalized. The author intentionally hides the real names and locations of the characters to protect their images.

Acknowledgements

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the following persons, who contributed ideas and photos to this book.

Virginia Gregana-Sy

Jan Galguerra

Jonathan Thongsawasdi

Erlinda Domingo

Rebecca Domingo

Leonard Batson

Andre Garcia

Roberto and Juanita Gregana

Words to Know

Ate – older sister.

Balut – a Filipino delicacy. An unhatched hard-boiled egg.

Calesa – a two-wheeled vehicle run by a horse.

Dada – see: Lolo or Lola.

Hacindero – owner of a vast agricultural land.

Huk Balahap – a secret organization assigned with protecting the rights of farmers during the late 1940s and 1950s.

Itim (or maitim) – black or dark color.

Kaing – a woven square-shaped container made of striped bamboo skin with a handle on two sides. Used by farmers during the fruit and vegetable harvest.

Karitan – a group of coconut trees cultured and designed to produce tuba. Usually attached by two bamboo poles to serve as bridge from one tree to another.

Kuya – older brother.

Lambanog – a coconut wine made from coconut sap (or tuba). Produced using condensation at high heat.

Lanzones – a Philippine fruit originally grown and raised in the towns surrounding a dormant volcano, Mount Banahao, on the boundary of Laguna and Quezon province. A popular fruit that other parts of the country began to raise.

Lola – grandmother, used as an honorific.

Lolo – grandfather, used as an honorific.

Ma (or mang) – old man.

Masungit – nagger.

Na (or aling) – old woman.

Pandan – a thorny plant whose leaves are strong enough to make mats and bags for common use.

Salakot – a wide cone-shaped hat made of bamboo skin, used by farmers to protect from rain and sun.

Tuba – coconut sap taken from the coconut tree. Becomes vinegar as it gets older. Through the condensation process, can be converted into a coconut wine called lambanog.

Prologue

This is the story of two ambitious women: Annabelle, a passionate woman who always wanted to be on top and would do anything to live life to the fullest but ended up with empty heart, searching tirelessly for an answer but never finding the truth; and Regina, an ambitious and strong woman who was well loved and adored but whose life became miserable from her struggles and sacrifices, as she crossed many roads to get away from her agony. They are women of substance who lived in different worlds, searching for happiness, love, and devotion but who always found emptiness and heartache. Together with their old-fashioned disciplinarian father, Eduardo, who died in pain, and gentle mother, Lorena, who was supportive in every way, they became victims of troubled love, characterized by family disunity.

This novel is dedicated to the memory of my parents, Teodoro Gregana and Gorgonia Villarante Gregana, and my dear sister, Isabel Gregana Thongsawasdi

And most of all to my wife Diana and my children, Paul, Kathrina and Donnabelle

Chapter 1

A Call from Home

Pancho lived in Anaheim, California, where he worked as branch administrator of an equipment rental company. He was tired that night due to problems at the office. Some had been solved, but others still needed action and close co-ordination among the group. He went to bed past eleven that evening, thinking of all the things that had happened that day. There was a smile on his face, although he was tired, for he had accomplished much that day.

He was almost sleeping when the phone rang. Eleonor, his wife, who lay next to him, answered the phone.

Pancho, it’s for you. It’s Joanne. She was crying. Eleonor handed over the phone to Pancho.

Joanne! Hey, what’s wrong?

Uncle Pancho, Mom is in the hospital, she said, crying.

What! Pancho got up from the bed. Why? What happened?

Ofelia called me and said they found Mom lying unconscious on her bed. They tried to wake her up and found she had no pulse at all. They called the 911 immediately. The paramedic revived her pulse using his electronic equipment, and when she began breathing again, they took her to the hospital. Ofelia said she was very weak and she was worried. Mom had no pulse for about ten minutes before the paramedic arrived. She said she’s at the emergency right now.

Oh, my God! Pancho gasped.

Joanne continued, still crying, Uncle Pancho, we are on the way to Arcadia Memorial Hospital. There’s traffic here on the I-5 freeway; it may take two and a half hours or more to reach the hospital. Can you go to the hospital too? You are a little bit closer to Arcadia.

All right. I’ll go. Are you driving by yourself?

No, Charlie is driving.

Don’t worry Joanne, Pancho said, your mom will be all right. I’ll be on my way!

Pancho walked to the closet and said, Eleonor, I need to go to Arcadia. Ate Annabelle is in the hospital.

Hah! What happened?

She was found lying unconscious on bed by her roommate without any pulse. Now she’s at the hospital.

But it’s almost midnight and it’s about a two-hour drive! What about Joanne? Is she on her way? She shouldn’t be driving at this time.

Pancho answered while looking for a shirt and a jacket to wear, I know. They are on their way to the hospital. Joanne’s husband, Charlie, is driving. Joanne’s place is far from the hospital—more than three hours—and there’s traffic. I need to get there and see how she is.

"I know you’re tired. Drive carefully.

I will!

What if you take a nap for a while to recharge yourself? It’s a two-hour drive!

Pancho looked at Eleonor and replied, How can you nap if your sister is in an emergency?

Well …

Thanks, anyway. I’ll be fine.

Pancho opened the gate of their house and pulled out his car. Bye, honey, he said as he drove away.

Drive carefully, Eleonor said, waving.

Pancho stopped at the nearest gas station and filled his gas tank. He remembered the last time his sister Annabelle, whom he called Ate Annabelle, visited his place a couple of months ago. Annabelle was as happy as she could be as she told Pancho the good news.

Finally, I just received my green card, Pancho! Annabelle said, raising her hands up.

Congratulations! Does your Joanne know about it? Pancho asked, referring to Annabelle’s daughter.

Annabelle answered smilingly, Yes. She’s the one who petitioned me. She did all the follow-up too. I really owe it to her.

What about your husband. Was he approved too? Pancho asked.

No. Not yet. Joanne filed it separately. Because Joseph lives in Bangkok, Joanne said it might create a problem with Immigration. So she decided to file our applications separately. Eventually he will be approved! We will be able to begin again.

What great news. We can go out and I’ll treat to lunch with your family Pancho! Annabelle said.

Pancho replied, Great! But actually we are going out for lunch today. It was Bella’s birthday yesterday and we decided to have a little celebration today.

Really!

Just in time! You are welcome to join us!

Eleonor and their children came down the stairs.

Hi, Eleonor, how are you? Annabelle said.

Hi, Ate Annabelle! Eleonor replied.

Hi, Tita Annabelle! The three children said in unison.

Hi! Wilfred, Trina, Bella. You are all grown up and so cute. How are you guys?

Wilfred answered, We are fine, Aunt Annabelle.

They all hugged Annabelle. We are happy for you to be here, Eleonor said. It was Bella’s birthday yesterday and we will go out for a good lunch.

"Happy birthday, Bella! I am sorry. I did not know it was your birthday. I should have brought something! So, how old are you?

I am thirteen, Bella replied.

They all went out, driving to a Japanese restaurant.

As they went inside, Annabelle commented, This is a good place, Pancho!

Eleonor interrupted, The children like Japanese food, especially Wilfred. We order a variety of sushi here. Sometimes Wilfred orders two for himself alone.

Annabelle smiled and looked at Wilfred. Really! I guess he’s not a little boy anymore! How old are you, Wilfred?

I just turned eighteen, Auntie Annabelle.

They all sat and ordered. Pancho sat beside his sister so they could have the chance to talk. The food was served and they started to eat.

Pancho asked, So, how is your NCLEX? Are you ready to take the test?

Yes, I am ready! Annabelle replied.

Is it next month?

Annabelle answered, Yes. Actually, I took off from my job for two months to concentrate on my review.

That’s good. How are Joseph and the rest of your kids?

Joseph is still in Bangkok and helping his brother with his business. He told me that he wants to set up a business there. I don’t know. I’m not sure yet if he is really interested coming in the United States. But as soon as I pass the NCLEX exam and get a good job, all I want to do is get Joshua over from the Philippines. Maybe later on, once Joseph has a green card too, he will decide to follow, Annabelle replied.

How is Joshua? Is he still in the same apartment in Los Banos? Pancho asked.

Yes, that’s one thing that breaks my heart. He’s only seventeen and lives by himself. Joseph could not live there for long, since he has no job. He finds it hard to look for one, since he is Thai and can only speaks English and Thai. There was a deep sadness on her face. She sighed. If I could only turn back time, I would make a lot of changes in my life!

Pancho asked, How is Joshua in Los Banos? Doesn’t he find it hard to live alone?

Annabelle answered with teary eyes, I have no choice. I have to work here and find a way to work things out. I always call to make sure he is all right. He says he misses me so much, and he once said, ‘Mama, I wish I had a job. I will not let you work. I will take care of you!

She stopped talking to hide her tears. She held her breath, but they could all see the deep sorrow on her face. Annabelle loved her kids so much.

Chapter 2

Life and Existence

Pancho finished loading gas into his car, then pulled onto the freeway towards Arcadia. It was cold and windy. He pulled out his cell phone and called his wife.

Eleonor! he said.

Eleonor answered with a sleepy voice, Hello! Pancho is everything all right?

Trina and Bella have a dental appointment tomorrow at four in the afternoon. Please, if you can, go home early and assist them. It’s been postponed twice, Pancho said.

Yes dear. Call me if you have any updates. What time are you coming back?

I am not sure. I’ll call you.

All right.

Bye now! I love you! Pancho said, and he hung up.

After a while, he called Joanne. Hello Joanne! Are you all right?

Yes! We are still on the highway.

I am on my way. Tell Charlie to drive carefully!

Thank you, Uncle Pancho, we’ll be all right.

Bye, Joanne!

It was already past midnight, and Pancho was still on the road. He turned on his radio and looked for a good station. He finally found the sort of mellow music he loved, the song Memories. As he listened he was reminded of life in San Manuel. There were some interesting stories from the old times, before he was born. When he was a little boy, he loved to hang out with his relatives, especially the old folks, and loved to hear their stories. In particular, he loved the story about when Annabelle was born and the life they lived with their grandparents.

June 1951. It was a night full of darkness in the small town of San Manuel. Only the whisper of the wind, the sound of the leaves wobbling, and the chirping of insects could be heard. On the wide road of F. Francisco Street, there were rows of old Spanish houses made of stones and hardwood. The Villafuertes owned one of the houses. Just below its veranda there lived a young couple, Eduardo Lazarus and Lorena Villafuerte. There was a single light in the one tiny room, and Eduardo was walking back and forth in front of that tiny space, breathing so fast. His wife, Lorena, was delivering their second baby.

Finally, after hours of labor, a baby’s cry broke the silence. Eduardo was eager to get inside.

The midwife called him. Eduardo, come here! It’s a baby girl, a beautiful girl.

Eduardo was smiling as he entered the room. The baby was wrapped in a white piece of cloth, carried by the midwife.

My baby! A wonderful baby! he said.

Eduardo saw his wife on the mat, tired and asleep. He asked, How is Lorena?

She is fine but weak. She will need some rest. Eduardo, look at your new baby girl, her nose, so pretty. She has such fair white skin.

Oh, yes, it’s a beautiful baby girl! he said joyfully.

The midwife looked from Eduardo’s eyes to the baby’s. Eduardo, it looks like she got the eyes from you. But be thankful she did not get your dark color!

Eduardo just smiled at the joke, so proud of his new baby girl.

Eduardo’s eldest child, Martha, four years old, was sleeping deeply on one side of the room as if nothing were happening. Eduardo saw that she had pulled off her blanket and put it back on top of her. Eduardo then went to Lorena, who was lying on the bed, waiting. Lorena opened her eyes

How are you? Eduardo said. We have another wonderful baby girl.

Lorena could not say a word.

The midwife interjected, Let her rest for a while until she has recovered.

Lorena’s mother, Felicidad said, She is right, Eduardo, let her sleep for a while. She will be all right soon. I will prepare some soup for her.

Eduardo remained at Lorena’s side. The midwife wrapped the baby in